How do you describe natural light?

Loopy

Loopy

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I was wondering if anyone had any terms that they use to describe a certain sort of light.

For example tonight's late sun was shrouded in mist and seemed to be very soft and diluted. In my head this is 'Turner Light'.
When the sun in low but makes everything look really sharp and intensely coloured (especially if it's just rained) this is 'Constable Light'.

Just my way of labeling things, I'd be interested to know if anyone else does this.
 
Natural light = not artificial.

So sunlight, not flash or tungsten, or whatever.

Not all natural light is good
 
Well any light really. They're the only two that I have a name for at the moment.
If you have a way of describing some sort of horrible light then share that too.
It was more about the association of the light with something else.
 
For example tonight's late sun was shrouded in mist and seemed to be very soft and diluted. In my head this is 'Turner Light'.
When the sun in low but makes everything look really sharp and intensely coloured (especially if it's just rained) this is 'Constable Light'.
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Haha.. this is amazing. I like how your head works.
 
Loopy said:
I was wondering if anyone had any terms that they use to describe a certain sort of light.

For example tonight's late sun was shrouded in mist and seemed to be very soft and diluted. In my head this is 'Turner Light'.
When the sun in low but makes everything look really sharp and intensely coloured (especially if it's just rained) this is 'Constable Light'.

Just my way of labeling things, I'd be interested to know if anyone else does this.
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That is wonderfully descriptive and poetic. I'd love to be able to rationalise the scene in front of me into something that stirs my soul like that :thumbs:

mobilevirgin said:
Natural light = not artificial.

So sunlight, not flash or tungsten, or whatever.

Not all natural light is good
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:geek::geek::geek::geek:

:lol:
 
Putting it in terms of artists is a good technique, because they'll have already distilled the essence and you can easily refer others to pieces you are referencing. Rembrandt has some of the flash side of things covered.

There's an old song title that some of us prefer as Softly, as in a summer sunrise which could work. (The actual title uses morning instead of summer, for reasons best known to Oscar Hammerstein II.)

My grandfather used to go out painting with Lionel Edwards and told me that Edwards would put all his efforts into capturing the sky that he wanted, leaving the rest till later. With photos of landmarks, I always include some interesting clouds, not least as an identification aid in case of image theft.
 
photon said:
My grandfather used to go out painting with Lionel Edwards and told me that Edwards would put all his efforts into capturing the sky that he wanted, leaving the rest till later. With photos of landmarks, I always include some interesting clouds, not least as an identification aid in case of image theft.
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That's a really good idea. If I ever get good enough to worry about image theft I might adopt that LOL.

PS I see what you mean about Rembrandt too.

Sorry it's taken so long to reply to this thread.
 
I read a piece lately by top landscape photographer Joe Cornish in PM, he said in this country we have very soft light like nowhere else with lots of people calling our light rubbish.
 
Graham00 said:
I read a piece lately by top landscape photographer Joe Cornish in PM, he said in this country we have very soft light like nowhere else with lots of people calling our light rubbish.
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Hmm, I remember something on a decorating programme where they were talking about the difference between the light in this country and that of the mediterranean, i.e in the hotter climates the light was more intense which is why dark bright colours like cobalt and terracotta work in Spain but our homes are more suited to subdued colours.

I do think that our light is more diluted for the most part, but it doesn't make it rubbish just different.

Just been looking at the Portfolio on Joe's website and the vast majority are all wonderful muted tones of grey and browns.

Sigh, I wish I could take photos like that.
 
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